City of Santa Barbara

These are developed parks of natural, cultural or ornamental quality suited to outdoor recreation such as bird watching, walking, and picnicking.

Once the site of the elegant El Mirasol Hotel, this downtown block is often called the "crown jewel" of city parks. The park features a large botanical collection (75 different tree and plant species); koi pond; sensory garden with audio posts and interpretive Braille signs; low water-using demonstration garden; picnic areas; gazebo. Reservable wedding and party sites.
For reservation information, click on the following link.
[ Arbor ]

Location: 1500 Santa Barbara Street
Hours: Sunrise-10pm

Located across from West Beach, this small park has a scenic view of the harbor, wharf and offshore islands and historic marker for Burton Maind, former Chumash Village.

Location: 100 West Cabrillo Boulevard
Hours: Sunrise-10pm

A brackish wetland provides a safe haven for a diverse bird population including ducks and geese. A bikeway and walking path and interpretive and environmental self-guided tours make this a popular spot across from East Beach.

Location: 1400 East Cabrillo Boulevard
Hours: Sunrise-10pm

Originally the home of famed botanist Francesco Franceschi, the house and grounds offer a panoramic view of the city, ocean and Channel Islands and contain a rare botanical collection. House and grounds are currently being redesigned. A small picnic site available to reserve. For reservation information, click one of the following links.
[ Flagstone Area ][ Picnic Area ]

Location: 1501 Franceschi Road
Hours: Sunrise-1/2 hour after Sunset

Mission Historical Park consists of ruins of Mission Santa Barbara's old waterworks, tannery vats, grassy areas, and the A.C. Postel Garden. The 8-acre piece directly across from the Mission was owned by the Franciscan Fathers and contains a portion of the aqueduct wall. The 2-acre piece north of Alemeda Padre Sierra includes a filter house, grist mill, pottery, a reservoir and aqueduct portions. The rose garden contains an accredited All American Rose selection of over 1,500 plants adjacent to the Mission. Large grassy areas include a reservable reception area.
For reservation information, click on the following link.
[ Grassy Area ]

Location: Los Olivos and Laguna Streets
Hours: Sunrise-1/2 hour after Sunset

Over 120 years old, this tree is claimed to be the largest of its kind in the nation, with a trunk measuring 38 feet in circumference. It became the City's first officially designated "tree of notable historic interest" in September 1970.

Location: Montecito and Chapala Streets
Hours: Sunrise-1/2 hour after Sunset

Park Superintendent E. O. Orpet established this 4-acre, two parcel park as a horticultural showplace in 1921 and used the Olmsted brothers to draw the plans. The park features ocean views, rare plants and trees, picnic tables and walking paths. In 2001, the original streetcar stop at the corner of Pedregosa Street was rebuilt and declared an historic landmark.

Location: Alameda Padre Serra  & Moreno Road
Hours: Sunrise-10pm

Triangular street median neighborhood park with grassy area and large shade trees.

Location: Canon Drive
Hours: Sunrise-10pm